We are going to Bermuda in a week and we signed up for some boat cruises. This means I need to get a life vest for my 2 year old. It's cheaper to buy and bring than to rent down there. I know I'm going to get a USCG approved vest and found a few that I liked. Here is my dilemma. My daughter is around 29 lbs. The vest I find go up to 30 lbs and then 30 lbs to 50 lbs. I'm leaning towards the larger size because I'm not sure it will make that much of a difference, but if it will, I'll get the smaller size. I just don't know if there is that big of a difference. Does anyone know if the 1 lb difference matters? What size would you get in my position? Does anyone know a life vest that crosses over the 30lb mark and is for use in the ocean?
Thanks. You all gave me something to think about. I did plan on having her try them on and getting one at the store and not online. She is a taller kid to, so the larger one may work, but from your comments I may go with the smaller one anyway. Thanks JulieBean. I saw the PFD markings and didn't know the difference. I will definitely look for Type 1.
That's a tough question. At this point I think I would go more for proper fit because that means more. If the vest is too large for her, it won't be effective. If the larger vest fits her properly, I'd go with that one. If not, I'd go with the smaller.
I think you should buy one to take with, that way you will have it the whole time!
I am with the other ladies...you really need to try them on her to make sure you get the right fit.
In my experience, you'll want the one that is up to 30 lbs. The larger size is a bit longer. It gets uncomfortable because is kind of pushes up on them. Then the strap in between their legs pulls up too. The other issue is the smaller vests often have the flap on the back. This is so that if a child should fall in it will flip them over and hold their head out of the water. THe larger vests usually do not have that flap.
Ask at the store you purchase it. You are going to want to put your child IN the vest to test for "fit" anyway. The larger "size" one isn't just able to hold more weight, the fit is made for bigger kids as well, with longer torso, etc... So if the "larger poundage" vest fits her body properly, that is probably what you want. If you have a large kid (taller than average) this might be for her. But if she is smaller in stature, then she may need to stay with the smaller weight vest. It might fit her better-- you don't want her getting cut marks under her arms from improper fit, nor to have it jutting up under her chin. So try them on and see.
Have loads of fun!!
Go with the one that fits best. She needs it close to her body so she can't slip around and get wedged with her head in the arm hole or something. I say try them both on her and see which one fits closest.
we love the puddle jumpers. The kids dont mind them and they are boat and coast guard approved. They sell them at Walmart and Academy. Google them to take a look.
I personally would to for the one bigger. The next size goes up to 50lbs and it still has the crotch strap which will help. Making sure they fit is important some are different than others, some will rub. My son is 48lbs and the one we have for him that goes up to 50 is too tight on him and rubs under his arms and he hates it. My only issue is the size up does not have the crotch strap. I put the new one on him and tried to pick him up with the shoulders of the lifejacket and it seems snug but you dont really know until you actually see it in the water. If the shoulders lift too much its too big. You could get a one size bigger take her for a brief swim to see how it floats and fits and return it if its not the right size for the smaller one. Dont go for the ones that are also swim suits those are suitable for pools not oceans.
Walmart has their summer seasonal aisle and they had a vest for the kids for $15, it was 25-40lbs or something like that. It came with a swim suit (detachable swim suit, like normal swim suit) but obviously ya don't have to use it :)
Sportsman warehouse has them too. I got one the summer before last when she was littler.
DO NOT buy something too big - she can slip out of it.
Go to REI, Dicks sporting goods, Wal-Mart, Target - etc. and try one on...they all them them....then you will know which is the best fit.
if you aren't going to use it again - just rent one....think of all the time (your time isn't free) you are wasting trying to find one life vest for one use...it is my opinion that your time is best spent on other things and rent one down there.
Please do a proper fitting and do not just order off the internet. Which size you go with is dependent on 2 things... how it fits your daughter and her natural bouyancy. If she is a dense 29 pounds, then she will need the larger size. See if you have a scuba diving store in town that will allow you to try the vest with your daughter in it in the water.
Just going with the next size up could be dangerous if it doesn't fit properly. There is potential for your daughter to slip out of the vest, especially if there is a forceful event that lands her in the water.
For ocean you need at minimum a Type I PFD (personal flotation device). Type III (the most common vest style sold in stores) is not for open ocean use.
Please, please, please read:
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp#recrea...
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